Thank you for welcoming me as the new Secretary General of Amnesty International
Canada. It's an honour and a joy to join you. |

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Dear John,

What an honour it is to join you in this vibrant movement as the new Secretary
General of Amnesty International in Canada!

I am inspired by Amnesty’s exceptional legacy and deeply grateful for the
confidence placed in me by the Board to carry on this important work.

Receiving the Amnesty candle from the remarkable Alex Neve, whose leadership has
brought so much change and impacted so many, is particularly heartwarming.



[[link removed]]Watch Ketty's video to you here >>
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As Alex eloquently outlined in his farewell reflections, the challenges ahead
are daunting. We are facing a deep crisis of fundamental freedoms globally, and
those standing bravely for human rights are more at risk than ever.

As you may have already learnt, our very own Amnesty family in India is under
assault, and has recently had to temporarily close its operations. We stand in
firm solidarity with them and other Amnesty activists around the world
increasingly at risk in recent years. These attacks only fuel our resolve to
pursue freedom and justice for all, and to hold leaders accountable to the
universal principles of human rights.

My goal is to engage Canadians decision makers at all levels to ensure we “walk
the talk” and truly uphold the culture of respect for human rights for which we
are globally known. We will continue to speak truth to power and to do all we
can to ensure that these rights are also upheld right here at home. The current
pandemic has revealed Canada’s profound inequalities, and there is much work for
us to do for Indigenous, racialized and marginalized peoples in particular to
not only have their basic rights upheld, but to lead free and fulfilling lives.

Building a more inclusive movement ––one that is actively anti-racist,
intersectional, decolonial, and which centers the voices, concerns and solutions
of rights holders–– is a top priority for me. I am particularly committed to
continue building a movement which reflects Canada’s rich diversity and the
values of respect, dignity and justice which are the benchmark of our movement.

As refugee mom of two beautiful, smart girls, I hope my appointment encourages
young refugee and immigrant youth to pursue their heart’s calling and know that
there is a place for everyone in Canada. You belong here and you have so much to
bring. We need you and your voice to build a better and more just world,
starting right here in our movement. We welcome you with open arms.

Beyond my personal human rights work, I am conscious that I am also the first
woman, Black person, African, refugee, exiled human rights defender and poet to
step into this role. Yes, so many firsts! I’m excited to bring all these
identities and my rich experience in both advocacy and activism on board.

Despite the great challenges we face, these are unique and hopeful times for
anyone who yearns for a more just world. There is such enthusiasm, passion,
legitimate rage and hunger for change. The possibilities are immense, and our
people-power has never been so palpable. Young people in particular are
reminding us that hope combined with action have always been the path to change.

To quote my favorite author, Toni Morrison: “there is no time for despair”. This
is precisely when we go to work.

It’s an honour and a joy to stand in solidarity with you and with countless
passionate and fearless activists globally, as we continue to push towards the
changes we so fervently seek. This work would not be possible without your
dedication, your energy and the generous support of all our donors.

I am grateful to you and hopeful about what we will achieve together.

Onwards, with hope, love and solidarity!

Ketty



Ketty Nivyabandi
Secretary General
Amnesty International Canada

P.S. This work is only possible because of you. Here is my video message to you!
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